‘Carbon footprint’ row as Tradeteam Enfield depot set to close in July

A row has broken out over the proposed closure of the Tradeteam depot in Enfield in July as the owner DHL is accused of hypocrisy over pledges to reduce its carbon footprint.

About 150 workers’ jobs are under threat at the MillMarsh Lane site, as DHL Supply Chain plans to distribute such iconic brands as Carlsberg from its Huntingdon, Ipswich and Reading sites to pubs, clubs and restaurants across London and the south east.

Unite, Britain and Ireland’s largest union, said today (Thursday 6 February) that DHL was guilty of hypocrisy as the closure of Enfield would increase the carbon footprint, despite DHL’s promises that it was aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 per cent by 2020 and to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Unite believes that redundancies in Enfield will lead eventually to more job cuts across the country.

Unite has put forward proposals that, while recognising DHL’s financial situation, would keep Enfield open for the drivers, draymen and warehouse staff, and reduce the carbon footprint.

Unite national officer for road transport and logistics Matt Draper said: “The proposed closure of the Enfield depot is a cruel blow for our members and their families which is compounded by the hypocrisy displayed by Tradeteam’s owner, DHL which has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint.

“By relocating the distribution to Huntingdon, Ipswich and Reading, you are increasing the carbon footprint as the lorries get snarled up around the M25 on their delivery runs.

“The proposals contradict DHL’s much vaulted carbon footprint commitments. These proposals save the company money, but not as much as they are saying. If we continue down this route it will be a matter of time until we will see closures and redundancies across the country.

“We recognise that DHL has financial problems, but we have put forward proposals that mean the Enfield depot stays open and DHL remains on track to deliver on its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

“We hope these proposals can form a solid basis for constructive negotiations to keep Enfield open and also for the implications nationally.”

The depot’s main customers are Carlsberg, Coors, Greene King and Mitchells & Butlers.

It was only last November the Enfield workforce accepted a new agreement covering pay and working conditions which resulted in calling-off planned industrial action in the run-up to Christmas.